Known nationally for its naturalistic style, 2015 will be a significant year for Knoll Gardens as its owner, Neil Lucas celebrates his 21st year at Knoll.
A world authority on ornamental grasses, Neil is celebrating the anniversary with a series of events on his ‘specialist subject’ as well as plant fairs and garden wildlife events organised by the garden’s charity the Knoll Gardens Foundation.
A best-selling author as well as RHS Council Member and Judge, Neil will be leading many of the events throughout 2015, supported by a team of highly-knowledgeable volunteers, specialist plant nurseries and wildlife charities.
“We have broadened the appeal of our event programme for 2015,” said Neil. “Alongside our ever-popular grass masterclasses we have a programme of garden wildlife events including bird and butterfly walks, wildlife surveys and wildlife-friendly gardening sessions run jointly with the Dorset Wildlife Trust.
Two plant fairs will see us play host to a selection of local specialist nurseries with national reputations, and of course we also offer free guided tours most Friday mornings within the normal garden admission price.
“After 21 years at Knoll I believe that our naturalistic style is of real benefit to gardeners and wildlife alike. I hope our new event programme will encourage those who are wild about our grasses, and using them to create what we call the ‘wow factor’ in their gardens, to be equally enthusiastic about our many other garden visitors.”
Knoll’s event programme begins on 14 March with a session on preparing grasses for the spring. A plant fair on 25 April features specialist growers of camellias, blueberries, azaleas, heathers and ferns, whilst an RSPB guided walk helps identify garden bird song on 14 May. June events include free entry for volunteers on 5 June to mark national Volunteers Week and a special morning event on 12 June brings Dorset Wildlife Trust to Knoll with a wildlife gardening event aimed at gardening enthusiasts, professionals and wildlife lovers keen to further develop their knowledge of the horticultural world.
Details of all 2015 events at Knoll Gardens can be found at www.knollgardens.co.uk together with booking instructions. Alternatively you can call the nursery on 01202 873931.
Places on all events are limited.
